Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has stated that the Blues cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to finish in the top four.

Despite lifting the Premier League title for a fifth time last season, the Blues are in real danger of missing out on the Champions League places following defeat at Manchester City yesterday.

While there are still nine games of the season remaining, Antonio Conte's side are now five points adrift of Spurs with time quickly running out.

With eight defeats to their name in the league already this season, the Spaniard has said his side must try and win all their remaining games, including clashes against Spurs and Liverpool.

"We have lost a lot of games already and we don’t have space to make another error," said Azpilicueta after the defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

Antonio Conte looks down during the Manchester City defeat (Photo by Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty Images)

"We have to go game by game, try to win all of our fixtures and qualify for the Champions League. We have a massive game against Crystal Palace at home on Saturday and we have to focus on the nine games we have left to get that Champions League spot."

He added: "Winning the competition this season is another way back into the Champions League. But we have to try to do well in both.

"We know we can’t waste a chance to get the qualification through the Champions League. We have three targets to aim for this season, including the FA Cup, and we need to go for all of them."